As the adage goes, “Beauty is only skin-deep”. We mean it literally. There’s no point in investing hundreds of dollars on products if you’re ashen and constantly stressed out. The demanding pressure of work and other existential worries can take a toll on our inner wellness and signs of it promptly shows up on our skin thereafter… as if it’s all some sort of sick revenge our body plays on us for the slightest abuse we put it through.
But when the going gets tough and long hours of sleepless nights start creeping into our routine, we’ve found that these self-care products help to calm our nerves and encourage our bodies to be more receptive of deep restful slumber. Start fostering a healthy sleeping routine with these must-haves, especially for those workaholics among us.
Photo: Instagram / Lush Cosmetics
This magical pot of pastel purple goodness has made countless headlines this past month, disappearing from shelves almost as instantaneously as they appear. And that’s not solely because it lives up to Lush’s heavenly sweet-smelling archetype of products.
The lavender infused cream mixed with notes of almond, vanilla, cocoa butter and oatmeal has been highly raved about by fans, many of whom claim to have an ‘incurable insomnia’ that was somehow cured by this lotion! Sounds highly improbable? We thought so too, but that changed we dug deeper to uncover the secrets behind this cult product.
First of, Lush really went to town with a huge punch of lavender in the product; having mixed in lavender flower infusions, lavender water and even lavender oils to it. The cocoa butter leaves your skin feeling buttery and moisturised while the ylang ylang, oatmeal and almond oil gives it sort of a ‘gingerbread cookie’ scent.
The science behind this product’s mystical powers really lies in the act of smothering yourself with the lotion itself. Having to sit down and dedicate a few minutes to this lathering ritual with this stress-reducing cream (with a feel-good scent) is bound to induce a deep relaxation into Zzz-land.
This Japanese steam mask emits heat automatically when you lay them upon your eyes, soothing and bringing comfort to strained eyes. The temperature of the steam is warm enough to encourage blood circulation to the eyes, but not so much so that you start to feel uncomfortable with the heat. Though the eye mask isn’t really a remedy for dark eye circles or wrinkles, it’s superb in inducing relaxation and restfulness. And the best part is, you’ll be able to find this at any Watsons or Guardian store near you.
Photo: Amazon
The best thing about a sleeping mask is how you’re able to leave it on for the night and it’ll do all the work while you’re asleep – the most crucial time of the day for your skin to rejuvenate. This sleeping mask has a soothing lavender fragrance which will enhance your sleep while at the same time, hydrating, purifying and soothing your skin. The lavender’s anxiety-reduction properties will boost your mood throughout the night, leaving you to feel like you’re at the top of your game in the morning.
Photo: Laneige
If tension headaches and sinus discomforts pay you a regular visit, this product will practically free you from the unforgiving clutches of those evils. Massage this gel from Origins into your temples, earlobes and the back of your neck and you’ll start to feel the tension in those muscles melting away. The scent of the refreshing blend of peppermint, basil and rosemary will work up your senses, living up to its namesake to grant you a peace a mind.
Photo: Sephora
We’re no longer a slave to caffeine whenever we’ve given our pillows a couple spritz of this highly-effective spray the night before. This pillow spray goes a long way towards relaxing your body, soothing your thoughts, and framing the perfect environment for uninterrupted hours of sleep. Even during unforgiving nights of tossing and turning in bed, the lavender oil from the microcapsules of the spray will be released from our pillows, lasting throughout the entire night to fully ensnare us in deep slumber.
Photo: Sephora
This rollerball-topped vial of precious essential oils and Sambucus Nigra fruit extract works to quiet the most overactive minds, fostering a sense of calm and quiet. This aromatherapy oil works to stimulate the body’s natural senses and ability to relieve symptoms of insomnia. The sweet floral notes of mandarin orange and lemon sherbet have also proven to be a divine scent, encouraging us to even use it as a roll-on perfume!
Photo: Tata Harper
Nothing beats a warm bath in the evening after a trying day at the office. Add two to three capfuls of this foaming bath formulation to warm running water if you’re looking for a relaxing end to your evening. This heavenly concoction uses a blend of sea salt and aloe vera to moisturise and condition your skin and loosen up your muscles. We recommend lighting an aromatherapy candle during your bath to further promote a pleasant session of unwinding.
Photo: Kiehl’s
Don’t be fooled by the lightweight consistency of this sleeping mask by Dr Jart. It packs effective skincare ingredients such as olive leaf, hyaluronic acid, cranberry and a fragrant blend of 9 essential oils that’ll lull you into a deep slumber within minutes. This leave-on mask has promised to lock in vital ingredients while you get your beauty sleep, creating a protective barrier against dirt and impurities in the air. The mask is gentle and weightless, which makes it a requisite addition to your nighttime skin regimen if you have oily or sensitive skin.
Photo: DrJart
These bath salts will not only help to ease you into a sweet slumber, they also detoxify the body and exfoliate the skin. The Kneipp’s mineral salts are natural and unique, having been sourced from an ancient underground seawater in Central Germany. This gives the salts a high trace of beneficial minerals such as Magnesium, Calcium and Zinc, which will readily be absorbed by your body when you soak in the tub. Given its incredible price point, this bath salts guarantee a luxurious spa-at-home experience, rendering you blissfully lethargic by the end of it all.
Photo: Graftons
This treatment oil works as a serum to combat stressed and dry complexions. The concentrated vitamin oils encourage enhanced blood circulation and cellular renewal for youthful-looking skin. The combination of lavender, rosehip oil and geranium acts as a multivitamin for your skin, aiding in all-over nourishment and repair. The sensuality of these exotic oils will also sweeten your mood and calm your mind for bedtime.
Photo: Sephora
